Frank Miller and Klaus Janson Batman: The Dark Knight #3 Batman and Robin Iconic Splash Page 10 Original Art

You thought I was going to start somewhere else? I don't care what anyone else thinks… To me this page is the best piece of comic art from the 1980s I've ever seen for sale and is one of the best possible pages from the entire decade. Simply amazing.

Twin Cities Books

Strange Tales #135 Twin Cities pedigree (Marvel, 1965) CGC NM+ 9.6

This is an underrated book in my opinion and this copy is just a freakishly nice example.

Fantastic Four #50 Twin Cities pedigree (Marvel, 1966) CGC NM+ 9.6 White

I'm such a fan of the Galactus trilogy it takes every ounce of my willpower not to just post these books every time they're featured in an auction. This is a nice enough copy I feel like I don't need to hide my love for the books this time.

Fantastic Four #73 Twin Cities pedigree (Marvel, 1968) CGC NM/MT 9.8 White pages

What a phenomenal looking book. I'm a fan of this book because of all the guest stars and the cover, so it's a real pleasure to see a copy this bright and clean.

Fantastic Four #75 Twin Cities pedigree (Marvel, 1968) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages

Another book I'm a big fan of because of the cover. Look at all that red.

Detective Comics #359 Twin Cities pedigree (DC, 1967) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white to white pages

This book has been all over the place recently. I see no reason to stop the tide, so I'm featuring it again.

The Avengers #25 Twin Cities pedigree (Marvel, 1966) CGC NM/MT 9.8 White pages

This was one of the first TC books posted and it served notice that there were some real gems hidden away in the pedigree. While the keys aren't quite the same level as some of the other Silver Age pedigrees, the books after 1963/64 are all in remarkable shape.

The Amazing Spider-Man #4 Twin Cities pedigree (Marvel, 1963) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages

I hear there might be some interest in this book. Spider-man, who knew?

Savannah Books

Strange Adventures #184 Savannah pedigree (DC, 1966) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages

Here's a book I like in ridiculous shape. How's that sound?

House of Mystery #189 Savannah pedigree (DC, 1970) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages

You love this book. You love this cover.

I do, at least.

House of Mystery #174 Savannah pedigree (DC, 1968) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white pages

I love this cover and all it represents. That hand beckoning you into all the awesomeness that was to come as HOM moved back to its horror roots.

Silver Age

Green Lantern #41 Pacific Coast pedigree (DC, 1965) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white pages

There are a lot of PC DCs in this auction. I feel like they're there just to remind people that PC is a pretty sick collection of comic books.

Strange Adventures #190 Pacific Coast pedigree (DC, 1966) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages

I did it again. I loved the Animal Man series from Grant Morrison, so I'm a fan of these books. I can't help myself!

Golden Age

More Fun Comics #67 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1941) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages

Edgar Church + More Fun + 9.6 = yeah, 'll post it for you to enjoy.

Detective Comics #32 (DC, 1939) CGC VF- 7.5 Off-white to white pages

Even though it doesn't feature Batman, I think that's a pretty cool cover. It's also an early Batman appearnace, so there's a lot to like about that book.

Batman #1 (DC, 1940) CGC GD 2.0 Off-white to white pages…. Golden Age (1938-1955): Superhero

If you're in the market for a low grade Batman #1, this is your copy.

Bronze Age

DC 100-Page Super Spectacular #4 Weird Mystery Tales (DC, 1971) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages…. Bronze Age (1970-1979): Horror

For no other reason than I like the book and the cover- I want this to sell for $10,000.

Original Art

Frank Miller and Klaus Janson Batman: The Dark Knight #4 Death of the Joker page 2 Original Art

Normally, this would be a really exciting page to have in an auction. Really, it still is exciting, it's just tough to compete with something as monumental as the splash page.

Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson The Flash #146 Mirror Master Cover Original Art

Such a solid piece of art.

Jaime Hernandez Love and Rockets Short Stories Cover Original Art

Speaking of solid… what a great design and the execution is just as good. Not overly flashy, just "right" in every way.

Jack Kirby and Chic Stone Journey into Mystery #110 Thor Pin-Up Page Original Art

Speaking of "right" in every way- JACK KIRBY!

As always, let me know if you've got an info on any of the books and pedigrees listed.

It's that time again. Another killer Heritage auction is queued up for our bidding pleasure.

You know, no matter what the other auctions do the most exciting listings of the year are always Heritage's. That's just the reality.

This auction is no exception.

Let's look at some lots.

Archie Comics #1 (MLJ, 1942) CGC VF+ 8.5 White pages

Clearly the most exciting single comic in the auction for me. Early Archies are tough in high grade. This white paged beauty is about to lighten some lucky bidder's wallet in a big way.

John Byrne and Terry Austin X-Men #116 Cover Original Art

I've always liked this cover. It's a classic "comic book" cover. There's some Schomburg style danger and it's great tease to the story within. This is going to sell for many thousands of dollars.

Detective Comics #31 (DC, 1939) CGC GD+ 2.5 Off-white pages

One of the all-time classic covers.

Frank Miller and Klaus Janson Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #3 page 24 Original Art

Just seeing this page makes me want to read the whole book.

It's really interesting to see the adjustments that were made to the published page.

Frank Miller and Terry Austin Daredevil #191 "Roulette" page 18 Original Art

Anyone have any idea what this might go for? Not that I'm asking for any specific reason.

The Avengers #4 Northland pedigree (Marvel, 1964) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white to white pages

That's a really nice copy of a great book.

Jack Kirby and Vince Colletta Fantastic Four #40 Awesome Thing page 14 Original Art (Marvel, 1965)…. Original Comic Art: Panel Pages

Are you kidding me with this page? Does it get any better? I don't think so.

Jim Starlin Warlock #5 Cover Original Art

Any Adam Warlock fans are in for a treat with this auction. It's full of great material. This cover is killer.

Showcase #22 Green Lantern – Savannah pedigree (DC, 1959) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white pages

This'll sell for a couple of bucks. I wonder how much? Where are we on the Green Lantern hype scale? This auction will help gauge that.

The Flash #105 Savannah pedigree (DC, 1959) CGC VF 8.0 Cream to off-white pages

I've never owned a copy of this book. Feel free to buy this one for me and send it to me for my birthday.

Jeff Jones Creepy #29 "Angel of Doom" Splash Page 1 Original Art

Is this in The Studio?

Dale Keown Original, First Ever Pitt Drawing Double-Page Illustration Original Art

That's pretty neat.

Fantastic Four #60 (Marvel, 1967) CGC NM/MT 9.8 Off-white to white pages

My favorite run in all of comics ends with this issue. While FF continued to be great beyond this point, the sweet spot for me was really #39-60.

Fantastic Four #57 (Marvel, 1966) CGC NM/MT 9.8 White pages

This stuff makes me feel like I'm 11.

Will Eisner The Spirit (Weekly Comic Book) "P'Gell" page 3 Original Art dated 5-25-47

A page from a very memorable character and story. Nothing flashy about it, but Eisner didn't always have to be flashy to make things happen.

Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird Gobbledygook #1 Cover Original Art

Gobbledygook #1 (Mirage Studios, 1984) Condition: VF+

Almost as many people are probably curious about where this little gem will end up. Personally, I'm fascinated by both of these lots. There's just so much unknown about them it makes for great auction theater.

Real Life Comics #3 (Nedor Publications, 1942) Condition: GD/VG

The Hitler cover to end all Hitler covers.

Marvel Mystery Comics #9 (Timely, 1940) CGC GD+ 2.5 Cream to off-white pages

Not bad looking for a 2.5.

Jim Starlin Strange Tales #178 page 27 Original Art

Sadly, mounted. Otherwise… what a great page. Pure Starlin awesomeness.

Strange Adventures #205 Savannah pedigree (DC, 1967) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white to white pages

Someone should make a Deadman movie.

The Flash #135 Savannah pedigree (DC, 1963) CGC NM 9.4 Cream to off-white pages

Green Flash covers are a favorite of mine. I'm not sure why.

And there you have it, another killer Heritage Auction. I'm even bidding on something other than Daredevils this time.

This being the season I thought it would be cool to share a few more Christmas themed covers from back in the day. A little while spent thumbing through the guides and a bit of searching at the Heritage archives later, I present these ten. Hope you enjoy this little tour of comics (holiday) history.

Adventure Comics #113

Captain Marvel Jr. #14

Sensation Comics #38

Batman #33

Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #99

Captain Marvel Adventures #19

Teen Titans #13

Batman #27

Superman's Christmas Adventure

Dell Giant Comics – Bugs Bunny's Christmas Funnies #5

I have no real info on the 9.8, other than what everyone else has. I will tell you it's on the $100,000 club list.

Failing a scan of the 9.8, here are scans of the three 9.6s for sale right now so we can all compare and contrast.

ComicLink

For my money, this is the best copy of the bunch. All three are nice, solid copies, but this one just looks like a jaw-dropper. Assuming there's been no slab damage (it is an old holder) this would be the one I'd be going for if I were bidding on one of these babies.

Heritage

The 9.8 is so new, this sentence from the Heritage listing is now wrong:

NM+ 9.6 is as good as it gets. Of the ten main Marvel superhero titles, only a single copy of Amazing Spider-Man #1 and two copies of X-Men #1 have earned grades higher than CGC NM+ 9.6 to date.

The off-white really shows on the edges. Still, it looks every bit a 9.6, even at the super-Heritage zoom.

Pedigree

I know it's sales copy, but Doug's comment about this book being a 9.7 isn't all that out of line. It just looks ridiculous. Still, it doesn't have the same perverse preservation as the Curator.

Not that I'm complaining. I'm a fan.

Anyway, on with the show:

Journey Into Mystery #106 White Mountain pedigree CGC NM 9.4 Off-white pages

There are several White Mountain books in this auction. Old labels even. Nice books. Here's hoping there's no SCS.

Let me use this opportunity to remind people that I would really, really, really, really like to buy white mountain Daredevils. Got any? Know where any are? Lemmeknow!

Batman #9 (DC, 1942) CGC FN/VF 7.0 White pages…. Golden Age (1938-1955): Superhero

C'mon, you love this cover:

The Brave and the Bold #1 (DC, 1955) CGC FN/VF 7.0 Off-white to white pages

Not a book you really see all that often. It's demand, partially, but there's also the plain fact that it's not a common book.

Captain America Comics 132-Page Issue (Timely, 1942) CGC GD/VG 3.0 Cream to off-white pages

Speaking of books that don't come around very often… this 132 page beast is a rarity. There's definite demand and Heritage has only managed to sell two.

Detective Comics #27 (DC, 1939) CGC FN/VF 7.0 Off-white pages

Oh, you mean there's another book in this auction beyond the Green Lantern #76 that people will be paying attention to closely? This little old thing? What's this worth now? It's hard to tell these days and FN/VF is always a tough grade to value. The 6.0 sold for a (high) $575,000 and the 7.5 sold for a (low) $657,250. This is $500,000-600,000? I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Blue Bolt #119 CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages

Speaking of covers:

Flash Comics #2 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1940) CGC NM 9.4 White pages

This sold for $53k a couple of years ago. I have a terrible feel for these Golden Age Flash books, so I have no clue where this will end up. They just seem like hot potato books right now.

Man of War #1 (Centaur, 1941) CGC FN/VF 7.0 Off-white pages

I've never seen this book before:

Superman #1 (DC, 1939) CGC FR 1.0 Cream to off-white pages

Sweet Christmas, that's screaming for restoration. That would shine up real nice.

Suspense Comics #3 (Continental Magazines, 1944) CGC FN- 5.5 Off-white pages

This will sell for too much money. That is all.

The Amazing Spider-Man #194 (Marvel, 1979) CGC MT 9.9 Off-white to white pages

I owe folks a post on the most valuable Mint books. I know #1- the Hulk 181. The rest of the list is shaky.

Daredevil #1 (Marvel, 1964) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white pages

It's never too early to think about what to get me for Christmas. Just sayin'

Seriously, this would bump me up a notch or two in the register.

I'd like to see it hit $70k

Daredevil #2 (Marvel, 1964) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages

Know what I like? Books/grades that don't have any GPA history.

Good luck if you're bidding on this one

Fantastic Four #51 (Marvel, 1966) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages

I love this book. I don't love it to the tune of $5000. Maybe I'll get a nice 9.2?

Green Lantern #76 (DC, 1970) CGC NM/MT 9.8 White pages

$100,000. Bronze Age.

I'm not predicting it, but… BUT… what's a "fair" price for this book? $75,000? Madness.

I do love this comic though, so I would be pleased as punch to see it tickle $100,000. Mostly so that it's not Hulk $181 that breaks the $100k barrier for a bronze age book.

John Buscema King Conan #7 Cover Original Art

Sweet cover.

Philippe Druillet Un Monde Magique #836 Cover Original Art (J'ai Lu SF, 1978)

You don't see Druillet art for sale every day.

Dave Gibbons Watchmen #1 Page 1 Original Art (DC, 1986)

I've got no clue what this page will sell for, so I'm just going to sit back and watch the show.

Stunning page, really. The familiar intro to one of the biggest comics of all time, hanging on your wall… the mind wobbles.

Frank Miller and Joe Rubinstein Wolverine (Limited series) #3 Cover Original Art (Marvel, 1982)

I smell big bucks. Compositionally, this cover, is superior probably all but one or two of Miller's Daredevil covers and because of Rubenstein's inks it appeals to an even broader range of collector. Don't like Janson's choppy line work? You'll find none of that here. What you will find is an early example of Miller using heavy blacks for both visual flair and dramatic effect. It's striking AND you feel a bit of what Logan's feeling. To me this is one of the coolest pieces of Miller art they've ever offered.

And there you have it, a nice walk through Heritage's latest and greatest. To me, this is a pretty good selection. There's a nice balance between big books of all eras and great (especially copper age art. ) Now if I can just win the lots I'm bidding on it'll really be a winning combination.

Frighteningly close, I think. Pulling a number out of the air, I'm going to say $75,000.

It's okay if you need a minute to catch your breath.

Here's the book:

Thoughts?

I just got this in the mail

Daredevil #132 CGC 9.6 Western Penn

It's not the nicest book I've gotten in this round, but there's something about it I really like. The Bullseye connection, the condition, the basically perfect centering… nice book. It's a shame the Western Penn #131 was just a 9.2, or else I'd have a nice pair.

I've never seen this book before and the Church copy no less.

John Totleben Miracleman #15 page 20 and 21 Original Art

Memorable? Understatement. Might be one of the most memorable splashes from the 1980s. Part of a significant set of Miracleman art listed in this auction. If you've ever wanted a page, now is your time.

Frank Miller and Klaus Janson Daredevil #181 page 16 Original Art (Marvel, 1982)….

I mean this in the best possible way, but this page is all Bernie Krigstein. Classic issue and teh sillouhette in the fourth panel is classic stuff.

John Totleben Miracleman #15 Cover Original Art

This will sell for crazy cash. Pieces like this scare me. While it's a classic issue of one of the best comic series of the 1980s, it's not exactly current. You can't even read this story without shelling out big bucks. Not exactly a futureproof purchase. Maybe some day they'll be reprinted and the world will be a better place.

Gene Colan and Tom Palmer Daredevil #89 DD/Black Widow Splash Page 14 Original Art

Colan and Palmer were a grear combo and this is a ncie dynamic example of their team-uip.

Neal Adams Phantom Stranger #13 Cover Original Art

I always liked this cover.

Green Lantern #1 (DC, 1960) CGC NM- 9.2

Once, Green Lanterns were cheap. Now? Not so cheap.

Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #8 (Marvel, 1984) CGC GM MT 10.0 White pages

I like MINT books and MINT keys are fun to watch at auction.

Marvel Mystery Comics #9 Larson pedigree

Will a forumite win this book? Judging by the Heritage thread a few of them are going after it…

Daredevil #1-40 CGC-Graded Group – Bowling Green pedigree

I would be interested in a few of these. The lost? Not so much. Many of these books would be basically unsellable. Why slab them?

In case you're wondering what I be interested in, I've bolded the books I'd definitely take a run at if they were separated out?

#1 – CGC FN- 5.5 with off-white pages. Origin and first appearance of Daredevil, and the first appearances of Karen Page and Foggy Watson. Jack Kirby and Bill Everett cover, with Bill Everett interior art. Overstreet 2009 FN 6.0 value = $816. CGC census 4/10: 85 in 5.5, 496 higher.

#2 – CGC FN+ 6.5 with off-white pages. Fantastic Four cameo. Second appearance of Electro. Jack Kirby cover, with Joe Orlando art. Overstreet 2009 FN 6.0 value = $189; VF 8.0 value = $536. CGC census 4/10: 32 in 6.5, 197 higher.

#3 – CGC FN/VF 7.0 with off-white to white pages. Origin and first appearance of the Owl. Jack Kirby cover, with Joe Orlando art. Overstreet 2009 FN 6.0 value = $123; VF 8.0 value = $328. CGC census 4/10: 34 in 7.0, 144 higher.

#4 – CGC VF+ 8.5 with off-white to white pages. Origin and first appearance of the Purple Man. Jack Kirby cover, with Joe Orlando art. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $270; VF/NM 9.0 value = $498. CGC census 4/10: 27 in 8.5, 53 higher.

#5 – CGC VF+ 8.5 with off-white to white pages. Origin and first appearance of Matador. Jack Kirby and Wally Wood cover, with Wally Wood art. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $192; VF/NM 9.0 value = $359. CGC census 4/10: 32 in 8.5, 55 higher.

#7 – CGC FN/VF 7.0 with off-white pages. Daredevil battles Sub-Mariner and dons new costume. Wally Wood cover and interior art. Overstreet 2009 FN 6.0 value = $183; VF 8.0 value = $519. CGC census 4/10: 48 in 7.0, 156 higher.

#15 – CGC NM 9.4 with off-white pages. John Romita cover and interior art. Overstreet 2009 NM- 9.2 value = $185. CGC census 4/10: 23 in 9.4, 12 higher.

#16 – CGC VF/NM 9.0 with off-white to white pages. Spider-Man crossover. John Romita cover and interior art. Romita's first work on Spider-Man. Overstreet 2009 VF/NM 9.0 value = $223; NM- 9.2 value = $325. CGC census 4/10: 29 in 9.0, 32 higher.

Grades and census information for other issues:

#6 – CGC FN- 5.5 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2009 FN 6.0 value = $54. CGC census 4/10: 16 in 5.5, 176 higher.

#8 – Origin and first appearance of Stilt-Man. Wally Wood cover and art. CGC FN 6.0 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2009 FN 6.0 value = $45. CGC census 4/10: 19 in 6.0, 228 higher.

#9 – CGC VF+ 8.5 Off-white pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $107; VF/NM 9.0 value = $196. CGC census 4/10: 30 in 8.5, 140 higher.

#10 – CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $107. CGC census 4/10: 28 in 8.0, 81 higher.

#11 – CGC VF+ 8.5 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $73; VF/NM 9.0 value = $129. CGC census 4/10: 16 in 8.5, 66 higher.

#12 – CGC VF- 7.5 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $73. CGC census 4/10: 11 in 7.5, 52 higher.

#13 – John Romita cover and art with Jack Kirby lay-outs. CGC VF/NM 9.0 White pages. Overstreet 2009 VF/NM 9.0 value = $129; NM- 9.2 value = $185. CGC census 4/10: 26 in 9.0, 36 higher.

#14 – CGC NM- 9.2 White pages. Overstreet 2009 NM- 9.2 value = $185. CGC census 4/10: 17 in 9.2, 25 higher.

#17 – Spider-Man crossover with cover and art by John Romita. CGC VF- 8.5 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $120; VF/NM 9.0 value = $223. CGC census 4/10: 16 in 8.5, 63 higher.

#18 – Origin and first appearance of Gladiator. CGC NM- 9.2 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2009 NM- 9.2 value = $165. CGC census 4/10: 18 in 9.2, 42 higher.

#19 – CGC VF+ 8.5 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $54; VF/NM 9.0 value = $90. CGC census 4/10: 15 in 8.5, 43 higher.

#20 – CGC VF+ 8.5 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $54; VF/NM 9.0 value = $90. CGC census 4/10: 17 in 8.5, 51 higher.

#21 – CGC VF 8.0 White pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $41. CGC census 4/10: 7 in 8.0, 55 higher.

#22 – CGC FN+ 6.5 White pages. Overstreet 2009 FN 6.0 value = $18; VF 8.0 value = $41. CGC census 4/10: 5 in 6.5, 87 higher.

#23 – CGC VF- 7.5 White pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $41. CGC census 4/10: 5 in 7.5, 46 higher.

#24 – CGC VF+ 8.5 White pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $41; VF/NM 9.0 value = $66. CGC census 4/10: 10 in 8.5, 71 higher.

#25 – CGC VF 8.0 White pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $41. CGC census 4/10: 8 in 8.0, 84 higher.

#26 – CGC VF 8.0 White pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $41. CGC census 4/10: 7 in 8.0, 63 higher.

#27 – CGC NM- 9.2 White pages. Overstreet 2009 NM- 9.2 value = $105. CGC census 4/10: 24 in 9.2, 35 higher.

#28 – CGC VF+ 8.5 White pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $41; VF/NM 9.0 value = $66. CGC census 4/10: 12 in 8.5, 81 higher.

#29 – CGC VF 8.0 White pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $41. CGC census 4/10: 4 in 8.0, 67 higher.

#30 – CGC VF/NM 9.0 White pages. Overstreet 2009 VF/NM 9.0 value = $66; NM- 9.2 value = $90. CGC census 4/10: 17 in 9.0, 50 higher.

#31 – CGC VF 8.0 White pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $34. CGC census 4/10: 4 in 8.0, 33 higher.

#32 – CGC NM- 9.2 Off-white to white pages. Overstreet 2009 NM- 9.2 value = $75. CGC census 4/10: 18 in 9.2, 35 higher.

#33 – CGC NM 9.4 White pages. Overstreet 2009 NM- 9.2 value = $75. CGC census 4/10: 20 in 9.4, 14 higher.

#34 – CGC NM- 9.2 White pages. Overstreet 2009 NM- 9.2 value = $75. CGC census 4/10: 23 in 9.2, 40 higher.

#35 – CGC VF 8.0 Off-white pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $34. CGC census 4/10: 10 in 8.0, 68 higher.

#36 – CGC VF+ 8.5 White pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $34; VF/NM 9.0 value = $55. CGC census 4/10: 8 in 8.5, 55 higher.

#37 – CGC FN/VF 7.0 White pages. Overstreet 2009 FN 6.0 value = $15; VF 8.0 value = $34. CGC census 4/10: 5 in 7.0, 89 higher.

#38 – CGC FN/VF 7.0 White pages. Overstreet 2009 FN 6.0 value = $15; VF 8.0 value = $34. CGC census 4/10: 6 in 7.0, 58 higher.

#39 – First appearance of the Exterminator, aka Death-Stalker. CGC VF- 7.5 White pages. Overstreet 2009 VF 8.0 value = $34. CGC census 4/10: 5 in 7.5, 39 higher.

#40 – CGC FN 6.0 White pages. Overstreet 2009 FN 6.0 value = $15. CGC census 4/10: 6 in 6.0, 98 higher.

Here's what Heritage had to say:

Six-Figure Profit for Seller Through New Heritage Service

(Dallas, Texas) — A pristine condition copy of Flash Comics #1 sold privately for $450,000 on March 12, 2010 through an efficient new service designed to unite successful bidders from earlier auctions with eager new buyers, according to Heritage Auctions of Dallas, Texas.

The seller had originally obtained it for $273,125 in a January 2006 Heritage auction, and the buyer initiated this latest purchase directly through the new "Make Offer to Owner" (MOtO) feature available in Heritage's Permanent Auction Archive at HA.com.

"This is the finest known copy of the 1940 DC Comics first appearance of the Flash and Hawkman," said Ed Jaster, Vice President of Heritage Auctions. "It's graded by CGC as Near Mint Plus 9.6, and it was part of the famous Edgar Church 'Mile High' Collection, universally considered the finest comic book collection of all-time."

Names of the buyer and seller were not released.

"The offer to purchase Flash #1 reached Heritage through MOtO, a new feature still in Beta test mode on our web site," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions.

"Any Heritage member who sees an auction lot from a past Heritage auction can anonymously offer the owner a profit through the MOtO feature," said Rohan. "Owners can set a fixed price minimum, or opt out completely from receiving offers. In this case, the owner couldn't resist this very fair offer for a six-figure profit after four years. He plans to use the money to purchase other items for his comic book collection."

"Since this is, by far, the finest known copy of Flash #1, one of the 10 most valuable comic book issues, the buyer recognized this as a unique opportunity," said Jaster. "We created MoTO with this sort of unique item in mind. We'd often hear from collectors who are new to the hobby or are expanding into another area of collectibles and were frustrated because items they'd like to own were previously sold years earlier. With this new service, many of those top items may be available now as long as the buyer is willing to pay a fair price."

The Make Offer to Owner feature also is available for other Heritage auction areas, such as coins, stamps, sports memorabilia, natural history, jewelry and art.

Heritage holds the record for selling the world's most valuable comic book, $1,075,500 for Detective Comics #27 with the first appearance of Batman, in the recent $5.6 million February 2010 auction, which broke Heritage's own Guinness World's Record for the all-time most valuable comic book auction.